Posted By jonasm On July 30, 2012 @ 10:00 AM In Android,Smartphones | No Comments

I recently bought an Android phone, just to find out that some applications, like avast! Antivirus, require root access. I had no idea what that meant, so I asked my good friend Google. Getting root access of an Android phone (also called “rooting”) means acquiring full control over the operating system. Among other things, rooting your phone allows you to uninstall any app (even the ones that come pre-installed), back up you entire phone on an SD card, install apps that require a rooted phone, and even install custom ROMs.

Note: rooting your phone voids your warranty. Also be aware that there is a very slight risk that your phone will get “bricked” (potentially unusable) in the process. Only attempt this if you are fully aware of that – you have been warned!!

Let’s get started. The easiest way to root your phone is using a program called “SuperOneClick” (this program does not work with phones of the brand HTC, and you will need to use Unrevoked[1] instead). To root your phone using SuperOneClick, follow these simple steps:

1. Verify that your SD card is not mounted. You can unmount the SD card by going to Settings>SD card and phone Storage.

2. You will need to install your phone’s drivers in order to debug it. Refer to this article[2] for more information.

5. The folder you extracted previously should contain a file named “SuperOneClick.exe”. Double click this file and you will be presented with this screen (you may have to click “Donate Later” if a popup appears):

6. Make sure your phone is in USB debugging mode (on your Android phone, go to Settings>Application Settings>Development and check “USB debugging”). If you haven’t already connected your phone to your computer, now is the time to do so. Now go ahead and click “root”.

Note: it is extremely important that you do not quit the program while it’s working, and connect a charger if you are using a laptop. A termination of the program could do permanent damage to your phone.

7. You should see different messages, followed by the status “OK”. After a few minutes, depending on your phone and computer, the program should be done.

And there you have it. You have successfully rooted your phone. Enjoy the freedom!